Sedation dentistry combines modern dental techniques with medications that relax you, control pain, and cause sleepiness and amnesia, so people who are scared of the dentist can receive care comfortably.
Sedation also helps people who aren’t normally afraid of the dentist but need a lot of work, or procedures that would otherwise be uncomfortable.
Your free consultation
At the consultation visit, we review your medical and dental histories. Together, we determine your oral health goals and the level of sedation needed to reach them. We also review your X-rays together to identify any major or obvious issues. If you don’t have recent X-rays, we’ll take a complimentary panoramic X-ray at this visit.
Conscious (“twilight”) sedation
Depending on your needs, you’ll be offered oral, intravenous (IV), or both options for your procedure. The form of sedation we offer is conscious sedation, the same “twilight” sedation most people experience during minor surgical and diagnostic procedures. Its use in dentistry has an excellent safety record, and most people who can undergo routine dental care can also receive conscious sedation very safely.
Oral sedation
Best for longer and restorative appointments that are expected to be no more than moderately invasive or uncomfortable.
How it works
Sedative and antihistamine pills are taken about 1 hour before your appointment. You’ll usually feel the effects within 45 minutes, and amnesia of the visit is usually quite profound soon after.
Pros
Lower cost
Easy to take, with no needle to start
Things to know
The medication is absorbed through the intestines, which can make it less predictable. For shorter appointments the sedation may last longer than the visit, so you may need to stay a little longer for observation before going home.
IV sedation
The most predictable form of sedation. Best for more invasive procedures such as surgery, extractions, implant surgery, gum surgery, and root canal therapy.
How it works
A small catheter is placed in a vein in the arm or leg, and medication goes directly into the bloodstream. Effects are felt in less than a minute.
Pros
Adjusted until you reach exactly the right level
Kept consistent for the whole appointment
Reversal medications can be given quickly if ever needed
Things to know
IV sedation costs more, reflecting the expertise, equipment, medications, and training required to provide it safely.
Is sedation right for everyone?
Sedation dentistry isn’t for everybody, and your medical history may rule it out. We’ll go over this carefully at your consultation.
Cost
There is a separate sedation fee for every form of sedation we offer. We’re proud to offer it at a much lower cost than other anesthesia providers charge. We aren’t a Medicaid provider, but we do offer third-party payment plans.
Experience you can trust
We treat hundreds of sedation cases per year, more than most dentists treat in their entire career. With thousands of sedation procedures performed, you can rest assured you’ll be cared for in a compassionate and competent manner.
The dentist doesn’t have to be terrifying
Call us or send a request for a free consultation. We’ll review your X-rays, talk through your goals, and plan the level of sedation that’s right for you.
